U.S. patent number 10,597,317 [Application Number 16/588,073] was granted by the patent office on 2020-03-24 for systems for creating an oxidation reduction potential (orp) in water for pathogenic cleansing and/or degreasing of hard surfaces and equipment.
The grantee listed for this patent is Daniel W. Lynn. Invention is credited to Daniel W. Lynn.
United States Patent |
10,597,317 |
Lynn |
March 24, 2020 |
Systems for creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in
water for pathogenic cleansing and/or degreasing of hard surfaces
and equipment
Abstract
A system for creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in
water and for reducing the surface tension of the water for the
pathogenic cleansing and/or degreasing of hard surfaces and
equipment. The hard surfaces to be cleansed and/or degreased may be
plastic, glass, ceramic, porcelain and stainless steel. The
equipment to be cleansed and/or degreased may be food service
equipment such as ovens, ranges, fryers, grills, steam cookers,
refrigerators, coolers, holding cabinets, cold food tables, work
tables, beverage dispensing equipment, beer dispensers, shelving,
food displays, dish washing equipment and grease traps.
Inventors: |
Lynn; Daniel W. (Omaha,
NE) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lynn; Daniel W. |
Omaha |
NE |
US |
|
|
Family
ID: |
69902636 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/588,073 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
15476326 |
Mar 31, 2017 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01F
5/0428 (20130101); B01F 3/04503 (20130101); C02F
1/685 (20130101); B01F 3/0876 (20130101); B01F
5/0498 (20130101); C02F 1/78 (20130101); C01B
13/11 (20130101); B01F 15/00285 (20130101); B01F
15/0022 (20130101); B01F 3/0446 (20130101); B01F
5/043 (20130101); C02F 2209/40 (20130101); C02F
2201/782 (20130101); C02F 2303/04 (20130101); C02F
2209/04 (20130101); B01F 2003/04886 (20130101); C02F
2209/38 (20130101); C02F 2209/23 (20130101); C02F
2201/784 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B01D
29/00 (20060101); B09C 1/00 (20060101); C02F
1/78 (20060101); C01B 13/11 (20060101); B01F
5/04 (20060101); B01F 3/04 (20060101); C02F
1/00 (20060101); C05F 7/00 (20060101); F25C
1/00 (20060101); C05F 9/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;210/85,87,90,96.1,97,136,137,150,151,192,202,259,607,614,631,724,739,741,743,746,750,760,769 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Brewster; Hayden
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Thomte; Dennis L. Thomte Patent Law
Office LLC
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a Continuation-in-Part application of U.S.
application Ser. No. 15/476,326 filed Mar. 31, 2017 entitled
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CREATING AN OXIDATION REDUCTION POTENTIAL
(ORP) IN WATER FOR PATHOGENIC CLEANSING AND/OR DEGREASING OF HARD
SURFACES AND EQUIPMENT
Claims
I claim:
1. A system for creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in
water for the pathogenic cleansing of equipment, comprising: an
ozone generator configured to generate ozone with said ozone
generator having an air inlet side and an ozone outlet side; a
regulator having an elongated body with a first end, a second end,
a front side, a back side, an upper side and a lower side; said
first end of said regulator having a water inlet opening extending
thereinto; said water inlet opening having inner and outer ends;
said water inlet opening of said regulator being in communication
with a source of water; said second end of said regulator having a
water-ozone solution discharge opening extending thereinto; said
water-ozone solution discharge opening having inner and outer ends;
said elongated body having a body portion, with first and second
ends, positioned between said inner end of said water inlet opening
and said inner end of said water-ozone solution discharge opening;
said body portion having a venturi chamber, with first and second
ends, formed therein between said first and second ends of said
body portion; said body portion having a first elongated bore,
having inner and outer ends, formed therein which extends between
said first end of said body portion and said venturi chamber; said
body portion having an elongated second bore, having inner and
outer ends, formed therein which extends from said venturi chamber
to said inner end of said water-ozone solution discharge opening;
an ozone adjustment housing secured to said body of said regulator
at said front side of said elongated body of said regulator; said
ozone adjustment housing having an inner end, an outer end, a first
side and a second side; said ozone adjustment housing having an
ozone passageway formed therein extending between said outer and
inner ends of said ozone adjustment housing; said ozone passageway
being in communication with said ozone outlet side of said ozone
generator whereby ozone produced by said ozone generator will pass
inwardly through said ozone passageway in said ozone adjustment
housing; said ozone adjustment housing having an ozone metering
adjustment screw which threadably extends inwardly into said ozone
adjustment housing through said second side of said ozone
adjustment housing into said ozone passageway in said ozone
adjustment housing for adjustably regulating the flow of ozone
therethrough; said body portion having an elongated third bore
formed therein which extends from said first end of said body
portion to said second end of said body portion whereby a portion
of water being supplied to said water inlet opening of said
regulator will pass through said elongated third bore and whereby a
portion of water being supplied to said water inlet opening will
pass through said elongated first bore to said venturi chamber and
pass through said elongated second bore to said water-ozone
solution discharge opening; said upper side of said elongated body
of said regulator having a vertically disposed opening formed
therein which has an upper end and a lower end; said lower end of
said vertically disposed opening being in communication with said
elongated, third bore; a vertically adjustable water metering
screw, having upper and lower ends, positioned in said vertically
disposed opening; said lower end of said water metering screw being
vertically adjustable movable into said elongated third bore to
adjust the flow of water through said elongated third bore; and
said water passing through said venturi chamber creating a venturi
effect which sucks or draws ozone from said ozone passageway of
said ozone adjustment housing which is mixed with the water passing
through said venturi chamber into said elongated second bore and to
be further mixed with the water passing outwardly from said
elongated third bore into said water-ozone solution discharge
opening and thence outwardly from said second end of said
regulator.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein an air pump supplies pressurized
air to said air inlet side of said ozone generator.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein an air dryer supplies air to said
air inlet side of said ozone generator.
4. The system of claim 3 wherein an air pump supplies pressurized
air to said air dryer.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein a plurality of ozone generators
are provided which are series connected together.
6. The system of claim 1 further including: a check valve imposed
in said ozone passageway of said ozone adjustment housing; said
check valve being movable between open and closed positions; said
check valve including a spring which yieldably maintains said check
valve in said closed position; and said check valve being movable
to said open position by the venturi effect in said venturi
chamber.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein an elongated insert is positioned
in said first bore and wherein an elongated insert is positioned in
said second bore and wherein each of said inserts have a bore
extending therethrough.
8. A system for creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in
water and for reducing the surface tension of the water for the
pathogenic cleansing and/or degreasing of hard surfaces,
comprising: an ozone generator configured to generate ozone; said
ozone generator having an ozone discharge tube extending therefrom;
an ozone adjustment means coupled to said ozone discharge tube; a
regulator having a water inlet end, a water-ozone solution outlet
end and an ozone inlet; a first bore formed in said regulator which
extends from said water inlet end to said water-ozone solution
outlet end of said regulator; a second bore formed in said
regulator which extends from said water inlet end to said
water-ozone solution end of said regulator; said second bore of
said regulator having a venturi chamber formed therein between said
water inlet end and said water solution discharge end of said
regulator; said venturi chamber being in operative communication
with said ozone discharge tube; said water inlet end of said
regulator being in communication with a source of water; a first
adjustment means associated with said first bore for adjusting the
flow of water therethrough; a second adjustment means for
controlling the flow of ozone into said venturi chamber; and said
water-ozone solution which is discharged from said water-ozone
discharge outlet having an ORP of at least 600 millivolts and a
surface tension of about 48-58 Millinewtons per meter at 20 degrees
Centigrade.
9. The system of claim 8 further including means for supplying
pressurized and dried air to said ozone generator.
10. A system for creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in
water for the pathogenic cleansing of equipment, comprising: an
ozone generator configured to generate ozone with said ozone
generator having an air inlet side and an ozone outlet side; an
electrically driven air pump having an air discharge side; an air
dryer having an air intake side and an air discharge side; said air
discharge side of said air pump being connected to said air intake
side of said air dryer for supplying pressurized air to said air
dryer; said air discharge side of said air dryer being connected to
said air inlet side of said ozone generator; a regulator having an
elongated body with a first end, a second end, a front side, a back
side, an upper side and a lower side; said first end of said
regulator having a water inlet opening extending thereinto; said
water inlet opening having inner and outer ends; said water inlet
opening of said regulator being in communication with a source of
water; said second end of said regulator having a water-ozone
solution discharge opening extending thereinto; said water-ozone
solution discharge opening having inner and outer ends; said
elongated body having a body portion, with first and second ends,
positioned between said inner end of said water inlet opening and
said inner end of said water-ozone solution discharge opening; said
body portion having a venturi chamber, with first and second ends,
formed therein between said first and second ends of said body
portion; said body portion having a first elongated bore, having
inner and outer ends, formed therein which extends from said first
end of said body portion to said venturi chamber; said body portion
having an elongated second bore, having inner and outer ends,
formed therein which extends from said venturi chamber to said
inner end of said water-ozone solution discharge opening; an ozone
adjustment housing secured to said body of said regulator at said
front side of said elongated body of said regulator; said ozone
adjustment housing having an inner end, an outer end, an upper
side, a lower side, a first side and a second side; said ozone
adjustment housing having an ozone passageway formed therein
extending between said outer and inner ends of said ozone
adjustment housing; said outer end of said ozone passageway being
in communication with said ozone outlet side of said ozone
generator whereby ozone produced by said ozone generator will pass
inwardly through said ozone passageway in said ozone adjustment
housing; said ozone adjustment housing having an ozone metering
adjustment screw which threadably extends inwardly into said ozone
adjustment housing through said side wall of said ozone adjustment
housing into said ozone passageway in said ozone adjustment housing
for adjustably regulating the flow of ozone therethrough; said body
portion having an elongated third bore formed therein which extends
between said first end of said body portion to said second end of
said body portion whereby a portion of water being supplied to said
water inlet opening of said regulator will pass through said
elongated third bore and whereby a portion of water being supplied
to said water inlet opening will pass through said elongated first
bore to said venturi chamber and pass through said elongated second
bore to said water-ozone solution discharge opening; said upper
side of said elongated body of said regulator having a vertically
disposed opening formed therein which has an upper end and a lower
end; said lower end of said vertically disposed opening being in
communication with said elongated third bore; a vertically
adjustable water metering screw, having upper and lower ends,
positioned in said vertically disposed opening; said lower end of
said water metering screw being vertically adjustable movable into
said elongated third bore to adjust the flow of water through said
elongated third bore; and said water passing through said venturi
chamber creating a venturi effect which sucks or draws ozone from
said ozone passageway of said ozone adjustment housing which is
mixed with the water passing through said venturi chamber into said
elongated second bore and to be further mixed with the water
passing outwardly from said elongated third bore into said
water-ozone solution discharge opening and thence outwardly from
said second end of said regulator.
11. The system of claim 10 wherein said air pump has an adjustable
and variable air output.
12. The system of claim 10 wherein the air output of said air pump
has a range of 0.14 GPM/0.5 LPM@2.9 PSI to 2.83 GPM/10.7 LPM@2.32
PSI.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to improved systems for creating an
oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water for pathogenic
control. Even more particularly, this invention relates to systems
for substantially lowering the surface tension of the water in a
water and ozone solution for the pathogenic cleansing and/or
degreasing of hard surfaces and equipment such as food service
equipment. Even more particularly, this invention relates to a
system including a regulator which includes means for adjusting the
water flow therethrough and a system for adjusting the ozone flow
into the regulator. Even more particularly, this invention includes
means for supplying a pressurized air supply stream to a desiccate
air dryer which is connected to the ozone generator of the
invention.
Description of the Related Art
Water intended for potable use (e.g., drinking water), may contain
disease-causing organisms, or pathogens, which can originate from
the source of the water, from resistance to water treatment
techniques, from improper or ineffectual water treatment
techniques, or so forth. Pathogens include various types of
bacteria, viruses, protozoan parasites, and other organisms. To
protect drinking water from disease-causing organisms, or
pathogens, water suppliers often add a disinfectant, such as
chlorine, to the water. However, disinfection practices can be
ineffectual because certain microbial pathogens, such as
Cryptosporidium, are highly resistant to traditional disinfection
practices. Also, disinfectants themselves can react with
naturally-occurring materials in the water to form byproducts, such
as trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids, which may pose health
risks.
A major challenge for water suppliers is how to control and limit
the risks from pathogens and disinfection byproducts. It is
important to provide protection from pathogens while simultaneously
minimizing health risks to the population from disinfection
byproducts. Oxidation reduction potential (ORP) can be used for
water system monitoring to reflect the antimicrobial potential of
the water, without regard to the water quality, with the benefit of
a single-value measure of the disinfection potential, showing the
activity of the disinfectant rather than the applied dose.
The prior art does not provide systems and methods for cleansing
and/or degreasing equipment such as food service equipment.
Further, the prior art does not provide systems and methods for
cleansing and/or degreasing hard surfaces such as plastic, glass,
ceramic, porcelain, stainless steel, etc.
The co-pending application represents an improvement in the art.
The instant application represents a further improvement in the art
in that the instant invention includes a regulator for adjusting
the flow of water therethrough and for adjusting the flow of ozone
into the regulator so that the desired ORP may be obtained to
cleanse and/or degrease hard surfaces and equipment, such as food
service equipment. In the prior art device, the air pressure
supplied to the air inlet side of the ozone generator or generator
may not be sufficient to efficiently produce ozone or the air
pressure of the air being supplied to the ozone generator or
generator may vary which influences the production of ozone.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a
simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed
Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key aspects
or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, this
Summary is not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope
of the claimed subject matter.
A system for creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in
water for pathogenic control is described. The system of this
invention includes a plurality of ozone generators which are
connected together in a series manner. In the preferred embodiment,
pressurized and dried air is supplied to the ozone generators. The
ozone generated by the plurality of ozone generators is supplied to
an ozone adjustment housing. The ozone adjustment housing includes
an elongated bore or ozone passageway having an ozone inlet end and
an ozone discharge end. A metering screw is selectively movable
into the elongated bore of the ozone adjustment housing for
selectively adjusting the flow of ozone therethrough. The ozone
adjustment housing is mounted on a regulator having a water inlet
end and an ozone-water solution discharge end. A first bore extends
between the water inlet end of the regulator and the ozone-water
solution discharge end of the regulator. An adjustable water
metering screw extends into the regulator with the inner end of the
water metering screw selectively extending into the first bore to
enable the flow of water through said first bore to be selectively
adjusted.
A second bore extends between the water inlet end of the regulator
and a venturi chamber formed in the regulator. A third bore extends
from the venturi chamber to the ozone-water solution discharge end
of the regulator. The discharge end of the elongated bore of the
ozone adjustment housing is in communication with the venturi
chamber. The water flowing through the Venturi chamber causes a
venturi effect which will draw ozone from the elongated bore in the
ozone adjustment housing into the venturi chamber to create a
water-ozone solution which is supplied to the ozone-water discharge
opening for further mixture with the water passing outwardly from
the discharge end of the first bore of the regulator.
A plurality of the systems of this invention may be mounted in a
cabinet mounted on a supporting wall with the outputs of the
systems being fluidly connected together in a parallel manner to
supply the water and ozone solution, having an ORP and surface
tension suitable for the pathogenic cleansing and/or degreasing of
equipment and hard surfaces to cleanse and disinfect those
areas.
The systems of this invention reduce the surface tension of the
water from about 72 Millinewtons per meter at 20 degrees Centigrade
to about 48-58 Millinewtons per meter at 20 degrees Centigrade. The
reduced surface tension of the water and ozone solution of this
invention enables the solution to cleanse and degrease hard
surfaces and equipment by attacking any biofilm on the hard
surfaces and equipment.
The system of this invention includes an electrically operated and
variable air pump which supplies pressurized air to an air dryer
which supplies dried air to the ozone generator or generator in a
steady uniform pressure.
It is a principal object of the invention to provide improved
systems for creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in
water for pathogenic control.
A further object of the invention is to entirely replace the use of
chlorine in all the processes performed within a facility such as
fruit and vegetable handling facilities and food service
facilities.
A further object of the invention is to provide a system designed
to reduce the effects of the environmental damages caused by the
corrosive properties of chlorine on the floors, walls and equipment
within a facility such as fruit and vegetable handling facilities
and food service facilities.
A further object of the invention is to provide a system wherein
the water and ozone solution produced by the system will not harm
persons coming into contact with the water and ozone solution of
this invention.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a water and
ozone solution which is a FDA approved antimicrobial agent and
which has FDA approval for contact with food or as a food
additive.
A further object of the invention is to provide systems for
reducing the surface tension of the water and ozone solution so
that the water and ozone solution may be used to pathogenically
cleanse and/or degrease equipment such as food service
equipment.
A further object of the invention is to provide systems for
reducing the surface tension of the water and ozone solution so
that the water and ozone solution may be used to pathogenically
cleanse and/or degrease hard surfaces such as plastic, glass,
ceramic, porcelain, and stainless steel.
A further object of the invention is to provide a system for
reducing the surface tension of ordinary water.
A further object of the invention is to provide a system for
creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water which
includes a regulator for adjusting the water flow through the
regulator and for adjusting the flow of ozone into the flow of
water flowing through the regulator.
A further object of the invention is to provide a system which
includes a variable air pump which supplies pressurized air to an
air dryer which supplies pressurized and dried air to the ozone
generator or generator of the invention.
These and other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the
art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present
invention are described with reference to the following figures,
wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
various views unless otherwise specified.
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the cabinet in which the
instant invention is enclosed;
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the cabinet of FIG. 1 with
the door thereof being open;
FIG. 3 is a front view of the instant invention positioned in the
open cabinet;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the adjustable water flow and gas
regulator of the invention;
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the regulator and the gas
adjustment housing and related components thereof;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the regulator as seen on lines 6-6 of
FIG. 4; and
FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the regulator as seen on lines 7-7 of
FIG. 4.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Embodiments are described more fully below with reference to the
accompanying figures, which form a part hereof and show, by way of
illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. These embodiments are
disclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art
to practice the invention. However, embodiments may be implemented
in many different forms and should not be construed as being
limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The following detailed
description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense in
that the scope of the present invention is defined only by the
appended claims.
The instant invention is to provide a system for cleansing and/or
degreasing hard surfaces such as plastic, glass, ceramic, porcelain
and stainless steel. The instant invention also provides a system
for cleansing and/or degreasing equipment such as food service
equipment which may be ovens, ranges, fryers, grills, steam
cookers, refrigerators, coolers, holding cabinets, cold food
tables, work tables, beverage dispensing equipment, beer
dispensers, shelving food displays, dish washing equipment, and
grease traps.
An Oxidation reduction potential (ORP) value can be used for water
system monitoring to reflect the antimicrobial potential of a given
sample of water. ORP is measured in millivolts (my), with typically
no correction for solution temperature, where a positive voltage
shows a solution attracting electrons (e.g., an oxidizing agent).
For instance, chlorinated water will show a positive ORP value
whereas sodium sulfite (a reducing agent) loses electrons and will
show a negative ORP value. Similar to pH, ORP is not a measurement
of concentration directly, but rather of activity level. In a
solution of only one active component, ORP indicates concentration.
The World Health Organization (WHO) adopted an ORP standard for
drinking water disinfection of 650 millivolts. That is, the WHO
stated that when the oxidation-reduction potential in a body of
water measures 650 (about 2/3 of a volt), the sanitizer in the
water is active enough to destroy harmful organisms almost
instantaneously. For example E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and
Staph pathogens have survival times of under 30 seconds when the
ORP is above 650 mV, compared against >300 seconds when it is
below 485 mV.
An example ORP sensor uses a small platinum surface to accumulate
charge without reacting chemically. That charge is measured
relative to the solution, so the solution "ground" voltage comes
from the reference junction. For example, an ORP probe can be
considered a millivolt meter, measuring the voltage across a
circuit formed by a reference electrode constructed of silver wire
(in effect, the negative pole of the circuit), and a measuring
electrode constructed of a platinum band (the positive pole), with
the water in-between.
Increasingly, microbial issues are commanding the attention of
water treatment operators, regulators, media, and consumers. There
are many treatment options to eliminate pathogenic microbes from
drinking water. One such option includes ozone (O.sub.3), an
oxidizing agent approved for drinking water treatment by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. For instance, ozone is one of the
strongest disinfectants approved for potable water treatment
capable of inactivating bacteria, viruses, Giardia, and
Cryptosporidium.
Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to systems for
creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water for
pathogenic control. An example system includes an ozone generator,
a water inlet, a water outlet, and an adjustable regulator coupled
with each of the ozone generator, the water inlet, and the water
outlet. Such example system is configured to output water having an
ORP of about 600 mV to about 800 mV, with particular
implementations being configured to output water having an ORP of
about 650 mV to about 750 mV to provide pathogenic control.
Further, the present disclosure is specifically directed to a
system for reducing the surface tension of the water being used to
cleanse and/or degrease hard surfaces and equipment by creating a
water and ozone solution wherein the surface tension of the water
is reduced from about 72 Millinewtons per meter at 20 degrees
Centigrade to about 48-58 Millinewtons per meter at 20 degrees
Centigrade to greatly improve the cleansing and/or degreasing
qualities thereof.
The present invention will now be described. Referring now to the
drawings, the numeral 10 refers to the system of this invention for
creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water for
pathogenic control. System 10 includes a plurality of transformers
12 which are electrically connected to ozone generators 14 in
conventional fashion. The first ozone generator 14 is connected to
a connector 16 by air tube 17. Connector or terminal 16 is
connected to a source of air which will be described in more detail
hereinafter. The ozone generators 14 are connected to one another
in a series manner in conventional fashion. The last ozone
generator 14 in the series of ozone generators 14 has a discharge
tube 18 extending therefrom.
The system 10 of this invention is preferably mounted in a wall
mounted box or cabinet 20 having a cover 22. A power cord 24
extends into cabinet 20 for powering the components therein in
conventional fashion. The numeral 26 refers to a water inlet which
is in communication with a source of water. A pipe 28 extends
inwardly from inlet 26 and has an electrical controlled valve 29
imposed therein. Pipe 30 extends from the discharge side of valve
29. System 10 includes a water-ozone solution outlet pipe or tube
32 extending from cabinet 20. A pipe or tube 34 extends inwardly
from outlet pipe 30. The numeral 36 refers to a regulator which is
positioned between the pipes 30 and 34.
For purposes of description, regulator 36 will be described as
being in the position illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 although the
regulator 36 could be positioned in other positions and attitudes.
Regulator 36 includes an elongated body 38 with a first end 40, a
second end 42, a front side 44, a back side 46, an upper side 48
and a lower side 50. The first end 40 of regulator 36 has a water
inlet opening 52 extending thereinto with the water inlet opening
52 having an inner end 54 and an outer end 56. The second end 42 of
elongated body 38 has a water-ozone solution discharge opening 58
extending thereinto with the water-ozone solution discharge opening
58 having an inner end 60 and an outer end 62.
The numeral 64 refers to a body portion of elongated body 38 having
a first end 66 and a second end 68. The body portion 64 has a
venturi chamber 70 formed therein and which has a first end 72 and
a second end 74. Body portion 64 has an elongated bore 76 formed
therein which extends inwardly from end 66 to venturi chamber 70.
Body portion 64 also has an elongated bore 78 formed therein which
extends from venturi chamber 70 to end 68 of body portion 64. An
elongated insert 80 is positioned in bore 76 and has a bore 82
formed therein. Bore 82 has a smaller diameter than bore 76 and is
preferably tapered as seen in FIG. 7. An insert 84 is positioned in
bore 78 and has a bore 86 formed therein. Bore 86 has a smaller
diameter than bore 78 and is preferably tapered as seen in FIG.
7.
Body portion 64 also has an elongated bore 88 formed therein which
extends between ends 66 and 68 of body portion 64. Body portion 64
has a small bore 90 formed therein which communicates with bore 88
as seen in FIG. 6. A threaded bore 92 extends into the upper side
48 of body 38 of regulator 36 and communicates with opening 88. An
O-ring 94 is positioned in the inner end of bore 92. The numeral 96
refers to a water metering screw support having a reduced diameter
threaded portion 98 at its inner end which is threadably mounted in
threaded bore 92 of body 38. Support 96 has an internally threaded
bore 100 formed therein which extends between the ends of support
96. The numeral 102 refers to an elongated water metering screw
having a threaded portion 104 and a head 106. The threaded portion
104 of screw 102 is adjustably threadably mounted in bore 100. The
head 106 of screw 102 is received in bore 90 of body portion 64 and
adjustably protrudes into bore 88 of body portion 64. The
threadable rotation of screw 102 in one direction with respect to
support 96 causes head 106 to move further into bore 88. The
threadable rotation of screw 102 in an opposite direction moves
heat out of bore 88. The metering screw 102 regulates the flow of
water through bore 88.
The numeral 108 refers to an ozone metering device which includes
an ozone adjustment housing 110 having an outer end 112, an inner
end 114, an upper side 116, a lower side 118, a first side 120 and
a second side 122. Housing 110 has four bolt or screw openings 124
extending therethrough which are configured to have bolts or screws
126 extending therethrough. The threaded ends of bolts or screws
126 are configured to be threadably mounted in threaded openings
128 formed in regulator 36 as seen in FIG. 5. As also seen in FIG.
5, the side 44 of body 38 of regulator 36 has an annular recess 130
formed therein which communicates with an opening 132. A small
opening or bore 134 extends inwardly from opening 132 to the
Venturi chamber 70.
Housing 110 has a barbed tube fitting 136 extending therefrom. An
ozone passageway 138 extends inwardly through fitting 136. As seen
in FIG. 7, ozone passageway 138 includes an enlarged passageway
portion 140. An O-ring 142 is positioned in recess 130. The inner
end of tube 144 is positioned in passageway 140 as seen in FIG. 7.
The inner end of tube 144 has an opening 146 formed therein.
A spring 148 is positioned in tube 144. Spring 148 urges check
valve ball 150 into engagement with O-ring 152 which defines a
valve seat. Thus, the check valve ball 150 is normally closed.
However, check valve ball 150 will be drawn inwardly when the
system is operating due to the venturi effect in venturi chamber
70. Housing 110 also includes an internally threaded bore 154
extending into housing 110 so as to be in communication with
passageway 138. An ozone metering screw 156 is threadably mounted
in bore 154. The metering screw 156 may be threadably adjusted so
that the inner end of screw 156 will regulate the flow of ozone
through passageway 138.
Preferably an air tube 158 is connected to the input side of
connector 16 and extends therefrom. Air tube 158 extends to the air
discharge side 160 of a desiccate air dryer 162. As seen, air dryer
162 is preferably vertically disposed and is mounted at one side of
the housing 20. Air dryer 162 has an air intake fitting 164 at its
lower end. Air tube 166 extends from air intake fitting 164. The
numeral 168 refers to a pump which is an adjustable/variable air
pump having an output range of 0.14 GPM/0.5 LPM @ 2.9 PSI to 2.83
GPM/10.7 LPM @ 2.32 PSI. A suitable air pump is the air pump
AIR-4000 air pump of Danner Mfg. Co. Air pump 168 is an AC120v,
60H3 and 3.5 W air pump. Air pump 168 is designated as a TOP
FIN.RTM. air pump. Air pump 168 is powered by an electrical cord
170 which extends to an electrical receptacle 171 which is
electrically connected to the electrical circuitry of the system
10.
Air pump 168 has a pair of air output lines 172 and 174 extending
from the air discharge side thereof which are connected to the air
line or tube 166 which is connected to the air inlet side 164 of
dryer 162 as described above.
The operation of the system 10 will now be described. The air pump
168 is activated to supply a variable amount of pressurized air to
the air dryer which dries the pressurized air and supplies the
dried pressurized air to the first ozone generator 14 by way of the
tube 158, connector 16 and tube 17. The valve 29 will be
electrically opened so that water from the source of water will
flow through the open valve 29. The water will then be supplied to
the water inlet opening 52 of regulator 36. The water flows through
bore 88 and exits from the discharge opening 58. The operator will
threadably adjust the flow of water by rotating the elongated water
metering screw 102 until the desired water flow rate is achieved. A
portion of the water entering the water inlet opening 52 will pass
through the bore 76 of the tapered insert 80 and into the venturi
chamber 70 and then pass through the bore 86 of insert 84. The
water exiting from insert 84 will exit the regulator 36 by way of
the opening 58 of regulator 36. The water initially exiting the
regulator will initially be deposited into a bucket or the like.
The ozone generators 14 will then be activated, if not done so
previously. The water passing through the Venturi chamber 70
creates a venturi effect therein. The ozone metering screw 156 will
usually be in the position of FIG. 7. Ozone will then pass through
ozone passageway 138 due to the suction created by the venturi
effect in venturi chamber 70. The suction created by the venturi
effect will draw or suck the ozone through the passageway 138. The
suction in passageway 138 also causes the check valve ball 150 to
unseat from the valve seat 156. The ozone then passes into the
venturi chamber 70 where it is mixed with the water passing through
the venturi chamber 70. The water ozone solution will then pass
through bore 86 and will further be mixed with the water passing
outwardly from bore 88. The water-ozone solution will then be
measured in conventional fashion. The operator will adjust the ORP
of the water-ozone solution by adjusting the metering screw 156.
The operator may also adjust the water flow rate by means of the
adjustment screw 106.
When the water-ozone solution has reached the desired ORP, a hose
or the like may be attached to the outlet 32 to enable the
water-ozone solution to be sprayed onto hard surfaces and equipment
such as food service equipment to cleanse and/or degrease the
same.
The use of the air pump 168 to provide a pressurized air supply
system allows for maintaining consistent ORP of the solution even
when there is a fluctuation or change in the water input pressure.
The air pump 168 eliminates the problems faced in the industry with
changing input with pressure drops which impacts the required
ORP.
Thus it can be seen that the invention accomplishes at least all of
its stated objectives.
Although the invention has been described in language that is
specific to certain structures and methodological steps, it is to
be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is
not necessarily limited to the specific structures and/or steps
described. Rather, the specific aspects and steps are described as
forms of implementing the claimed invention. Since many embodiments
of the invention can be practiced without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims
hereinafter appended.
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